Zeus
by CTCWeb Editors
Associated Rituals
An important part of the nature of a god or goddess may be discerned from the rituals performed for the favor of that god or goddess. Students should look at the rituals performed in favor of Zeus. Students will also want to look at where the rituals are performed, who performs the rituals and whether the societies that include these rituals in their religious practices worship only Zeus or Zeus along with other gods and goddesses.
Below are some archaeological and textual examples of ritual sacrifices to Athena and rituals that are part of the festivals for Zeus.
Encyclopedia, Epirus - oracle of Zeus at Dodona.
Antiphon, Speech 1, 1.18 - Antiphon describes the sacrifice to Zeus of the household as “pouring libations and sprinkling some frankincense to secure the favour of heaven.”
Demosthenes, Speech 21, 21.53 - Demosthenes instructs the people to sacrifice “to Zeus of the Ship . . . three oxen and with each ox three sheep.”
Homer Iliad Book 3.104 - The sacrifice of a black ewe to Zeus.
Homer Iliad Book 3.279 - “He spake, and cut the lambs’ throats with the pitiless bronze; and laid them down upon the ground gasping and failing of breath, for the bronze had robbed them of their strength. Then they drew wine from the bowl into the cups, and poured it forth, and made prayer to the gods that are for ever.”
Homer Iliad Book 5.74 - Zeus’ suppliants lift up their hands in prayer to Zeus.
Homer Iliad Book 11.773 - “Peleus, driver of chariots, was burning the fat thighs of a bull to Zeus that hurleth the thunderbolt, in the enclosure of the court, and he held in his hand a golden cup, pouring forth the flaming wine to accompany the burning offerings.”
Homer Iliad Book 16.228 - “This cup he then took from the chest and cleansed it first with sulphur, and thereafter washed it in fair streams of water; and himself he washed his hands, and drew flaming wine. Then he made prayer, standing in the midst of the court, and poured forth the wine, looking up to heaven.”
Homer Iliad Book 19.264 - The sacrificing of a boar.
Hesiod Theogony 536-42 - Prometheus “put the white bones dressed up with cunning art and covered with shining fat” as his offering to Zeus. This is the basis for all sacrifice.
Pausanias 1.24.4 - The mode of sacrificing to Zeus Polieus. “They place barley mixed with wheat and leave it unguarded. The ox, which they keep already prepared for sacrifice, goes to the altar and partakes of the grain. One of the priests they call the ox-slayer, who kills the ox and then, casting aside the axe here according to the ritual runs away. The others bring the axe to trial, as though they know not the man who did the deed.”
